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THERE are enough potential students to start planning a university in Cornwall,
according to figures presented to a meeting of further education college principals
at County Hall in Truro.

The report says 6,000 new higher education places will be needed in Cornwall
by 2010, enough, says the Combined University of Cornwall partnership who
commissioned the survey from KPMG, to support a small but growing university.

A previous bid for a university for Cornwall at Trereife, Penzance, failed
after being unable to raise the necessary finance and submit a convincing
case that there was enough demand.

About 40 per cent of the 2,000 students interviewed said they would study
at degree level or above in Cornwall if places were available.

The next step will be for the CUC partnership - the Universities of Exeter
and Plymouth, Falmouth College of Arts, Cornwall County Council, and the Government
Office South West - in conjunction with the countys colleges, to start
planning to bring university provision closer.

Cornwall is one of the few counties in England which does not have broad
higher education provision.

Cornwalls colleges welcomed the news, with the principal of St Austell
College, Bill Hill saying: "A lot of ground has now been covered, but
theres a lot of work ahead.

"By all working together I am sure we can make a university in Cornwall
a reality.

"The college principals are looking forward to co-operation with the
CUC partnership wherever possible, and the level of interest in Cornwall has
never been higher, especially with Objective 1 funding potential for the university."

The key to success would be quality, developing clusters of specialised degree
level and postgraduate work which would meet the demands of Cornish students
and the countys economy and attract vital extra students from elsewhere.

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Last modification: 13th January 2002
Last information content change: 15th June 1999